The Sheathipede-class transport shuttle, also known as the Neimoidian shuttle or the Separatist shuttle, was a craft manufactured by Haor Chall Engineering[1] and used by high-ranking officials of the Trade Federation to visit potential clients and marketplaces.[2]

Contents

They were shaped like soldier beetles, and their clawfooted landing legs could only settle down on hard surfaces. This was due to the businessmen's distaste for dealing with poor, underdeveloped worlds.[2]

These shuttles often had their cockpits removed and replaced by automated pilots, so that cabin space could be increased. The Sheathipede-class shuttle was a short-range ship, used only for planetary travel or to ferry passengers to and from an orbital space station or starship.[2]

A distinct variant of the Sheathipede had several laser cannons and a seat for a gunner next to the pilot, thus widening the cockpit. Due to the additional armament on the dorsal fin, the communications antenna was shortened.[4]

Sheathipede-class shuttles were used by Neimoidian officials to land on Naboo after they had invaded the planet.[7] 10 years later, when the First Battle of Geonosis appeared to go in favor of the Republic, the Neimoidian representatives took off in one of these craft.[8]

General Grievous also used one of these shuttles to land on the planet Utapau following the Battle of Coruscant.[11] His shuttle had an unaltered cockpit, due to the General's distrust of automated systems.[2]

After the Clone Wars ended, few Neimoidians would venture outside their systems unless on business trips. When doing so, they still used Sheathipede-class shuttles.[12]Bail Organa used an "antique" model of the shuttle on several missions prior to the Corellian Treaty.